Posted
by
timothy
on Thursday January 06, 2011 @03:31PM
from the really-cold-really-dead-fingers dept.

CWmike writes "Next-generation touch-screen devices will embed more haptics, or touch-based feedback, into virtual keyboards. 'A lot of companies are really getting into haptics, [using] source feedback and a sense of touch to try to replicate a keyboard on a display,' says Bruce Gant, a mechanical engineer at Product Development Technologies, which integrates touch screens into cell phones and other devices for manufacturers. 'If people really get that down and nail that experience, [virtual keyboards] could replace mechanical keyboards on laptops.' Don't tell that to Motorola, which just introduced the Atrix 4G, and dual-core 4.3-inch smartphone that docks to a laptop with, you guessed it, a physical keyboard."

For the record, I just ordered a Mattias Tactile Pro 3 keyboard [matias.ca] because the Apple "chiclet" keyboard on my Mac pro is so appallingly bad - no physical or audible feedback, mushy feel, unreliable rollover / missed keys / extra keys. This is for my desktop; I suffer with the awfulness on my Macbook pro.

The TTP3 has Alps mechanical switches, basically unlimited rollover, and key legends that won't wear off, at least according to them (laser etched.) It's my xmas present to myself.

The idea that a touch screen could take over -- and mind you, I'm really into my iPad -- is no less than ridiculous. The "keyboard" on an iPad is meant to cover you in very rare instances. It's not usable long term or in a serious manner. People who type for a living, or simply a lot... they can't be moved to a touch screen. Not even remotely viable.